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Department of Health Professions

Academic Accreditation is an assurance of the quality of an academic program.

Fully Certified Members of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) are recognized for having withstood the rigors of peer review wherein curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes are critically examined by external peer review. Certification places a seal of approval on programs successfully meeting these rigorous standards. External shareholders look to this seal as a way to distinguish a program from its peers. Increasingly, prospective students are also looking for AUPHA Certification when searching for a program where they will invest in their future.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM STANDARDS

The standard for undergraduate programs in healthcare management is met by achieving certification by AUPHA. In a process comparable to other specialty program accreditations, programs seeking certification must submit an extensive self-study detailing the program's structure, educational processes, and assessment mechanisms in response to criteria established by AUPHA and the Undergraduate Program Committee (UPC). An external peer panel thoroughly examines the applicant program, with the process culminating in a face-to-face meeting at the AUPHA annual conference. The panel's report and recommendations serve as the basis for certifying the program and driving program improvement.

CERTIFICATION

Certification, while similar in process and standards, differs from accreditation in that it does not require a site visit, thus allowing the costs incurred by the program to remain much lower than that of specialty accreditations. Additionally, certification is not required to meet external mandates, allowing the association to remain focused on the unique financial and educational needs of its undergraduate constituents.

As of November 2014, only 46 undergraduate programs are certified by AUPHA.

(We are excited to be one of them!)

The HCM Program has established program outcomes in relation to the established mission, vision and values.

The HCM Program will ensure that students accomplish the designated skills, knowledge and abilities prior to completion of their degree.

Students will complete a competency exam upon entrance and exit of the program.

HCM faculty will utilize the exam results for modification(s) of the program and program courses. Number and date of completions will be documented with at least 90% of students completing the exams.

Work with the AUPHA Undergraduate Committee to explore a common exit exam, reasonable metrics, and program goals. (In progress)

Other measures of achievement will triangulate the competency data.

Overall, 50% of HCM majors will achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Overall, 50% of HCM majors will receive a grade of 90% or better from their HCM internship.

The HCM Program will ensure timely assessment, review and feedback via multiple mechanisms to ensure that quality improvement occurs.

The HCM Program will complete the Metropolitan State University of Denver Program Review via the self-study report and participate in the feedback meetings as required every seven years and achieve this within the designated deadlines.

The HCM Program will complete the self-study along with re-certification process of the HCM program as directed by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

The HCM Program will solicit feedback and program evaluation information from graduating students. Students will evaluate the program upon exit of the program.

The HCM Program will conduct an advisory board meeting to solicit input at least one time per year, with periodic updates sent to advisory board members via e-mail.

The HCM Program will ensure that quality faculty members teach and advise students.

Faculty will follow required guidelines for the three pre-described categories: (1) teaching (includes advising), (2) scholarly activities, and (3) service. Faculty will be in good standing as measured by the guidelines and obtain a Satisfactory rating in performance reviews as indicated in the guidelines.

Achievement of this outcome will be reflected in the retention and promotion of HCM faculty.

Affiliate faculty will be periodically evaluated. If student ratings of instruction fall below an average of 3.5 over two semesters, adjunct faculty will be placed on probationary status and/or terminated.

The HCM Program will ensure linkages to the health care community for student and faculty engagement.

Feedback from internship preceptors will be evaluated annually to ensure their continued support of the Program.

Faculty will pursue service opportunities within the health community as indicated in portfolios on an annual basis.

Students will participate in volunteer assignments, obtain job placements and represent the HCM Program in the community as indicated on student surveys.